A thrilling once-in-a-lifetime experience in New Zealand for 10,000 visitors from China has set a new industry benchmark in event delivery.
The massive delegation was flown to New Zealand in 12 waves over two months from 9 October to 5 December for the 2023 Amway China Leadership Seminar, produced by Encore Event Technologies APAC.
Attendees were treated to an extensive program of events and excursions that rewarded exceptional performance and elevated brand allegiance whilst enjoying all the incredible sights and adventures New Zealand has to offer.
Encore won the competitive bidding process which resulted in visitors filling 20,000 hotel nights in Queenstown and Auckland and funneled an estimated NZ $40 million into the economy. Auckland Convention Bureau and Queenstown Convention Bureau managed the pre-event activities including tourist activities to showcase each local area.
Encore dedicated their heavyweight creative, production and technology expertise to deliver a brand-defining set of ‘moments that matter’. These included leadership sessions, cocktail receptions and 15 gala dinners with main show performances – embracing the organisation’s values and the best of New Zealand.
The event highlight was a stunning final gala night dinner which was staged 15 times throughout the period to visitor groups of approximately 600 per event. Held at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland and Queenstown Ice Arena the galas, which took a year to plan, treated guests to a spectacular night full of technological wizardry and heart pumping entertainment.
Scott Nodsle, Encore’s Managing Director of APAC said the company’s mission has always been to ‘follow our customer’s journey and create events that transform and experiences that go beyond the ordinary’.
“Encore’s successful involvement in Amway China’s Leadership Seminar demonstrates how far business events can go beyond mere logistics to leave a lasting impact on attendees,”
For the gala a wide range of innovative technologies were used with panoramic scenes of New Zealand’s natural wonders played across a 3D-mapped 180-degree projection screen via 80 table projectors. Snow machines, special effects and multi-sensory interactive displays of earth, water, fire and air dazzled guests. More than 600 hours of custom motion design content was created across the two locations.
During meal service the room underwent a dramatic transformation with lava projections oozing over the stage, creating an impressive backdrop for performers, Strings of Fire, who combined pyrotechnics and acrobatic stunts to music setting the stage literally ‘ablaze’.
Entertainment included trio JGEEKS who combined traditional Māori moves with modern dance techniques and humour, C-Pop singer Laurence Larson and multimedia performers Vosper Tron. Throughout the evening, care was taken to ensure the performances and scenography intertwined to reinforce Amway values of harmony, wonder and partnership.
Encore has a long history of delivering experiences for Amway the direct selling business, having devised similar trips for delegations from Taiwan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, South Korea and Russia over the past 18 years in addition to other events for international clients.
Mr Nodsle said incentive awards are also evolving within corporations from transactional to transformational. “Rewarding high performers beyond cash bonuses with an experience is invaluable,” he says. “What’s more, colleagues having the time of their life with like minds is a proven motivator that enriches brand allegiance.
“Events can be a catalyst for change, whether it’s inspiring new ideas, fostering meaningful connections, or driving positive transformation within an organization. So, it’s important to create an environment that encourages growth, innovation, and personal development.”
“Post-COVID, events have redoubled their power to connect and inspire. When people come together, ideas take flight and relationships strengthen. Even more so when the experiences fuse imagination, ingenuity, and innovation in culture-rich destinations that elevate a brand’s emotional resonance. What you see is teams buzzing with energy and enthusiasm – both for the company and the country they’ve visited.”
“Events can be a catalyst for change, whether it's inspiring new ideas, fostering meaningful connections, or driving positive transformation within an organization....”
Ken Pereira, Head of Auckland Convention Bureau at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, said that the gala dinners were a highlight of the itinerary. “Delegates were wowed by the gala dinners. The evenings showcased Aotearoa New Zealand’s culture and spirit, brought to life through a dynamic set up of lighting, sound and visual elements. A key point of difference for hosting an incentive trip in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is the contemporary Māori culture at the heart of the region, and we were thrilled to see this celebrated at the dinners.”
Mr Nodsle said Encore had seen an immediate and sustained increase in interest in companies looking to scale up their incentives on the back of Amway China’s 2023 New Zealand trip. “The memories for participants are ever-lasting and the positive effects of these events for tourism and the visitor economy continue to flow.”
The foundation of Encore’s values includes seeing the big picture, doing the right thing, connecting, inspiring and valuing people. A recent example of our values in action is the inaugural internship program providing career training opportunities and community-based outreach and sponsorships.
In addition to being proud sponsors of local rugby teams Drua Rugby team and the Yasawa Island Rugby Club known as the Somosomo Stags, Encore has recently implemented an internship program in Somosomo, an island approximately 3-hour boat ride east from the main Fiji island.
The program is designed particularly for young adults seeking early career training and opportunities to immerse themselves in event production. Interns are paid an income, and all their travel and accommodation requirements during the 4-week internship.
The program is designed for interns to immerse themselves in the process of bringing events to life while gaining insights into operations, technology, and sales. The program includes learning, mentorship, and training alongside seasoned Encore team members.
Upon arrival at our Fiji head office, interns are given a warm welcome at a ceremony and given a care package, including comprehensive training logbook and Encore uniform.
“Our goal is to provide as many early career training opportunities as possible through this internship program, and where feasible offer long term cadetships with more advanced training and career opportunities.” – said Tim Keeling General Manager Qld and Pacific region, Encore APAC.
“The program has been an absolute success so far” said Adam Blyth, Area Manager, Fiji Islands.
“It’s heartwarming to see young local lads learn essential skills and witness their joy of connecting with and being inspired by the world of event production and the technology we use” added Mr. Blyth.
The internship program is a further development in Encore’s support to the remote Fijian community which recently saw Encore sponsor two local rugby teams, the Drua Rugby team and Yasawa Island Rugby Club, known as the Somosomo Stags. The connection with the clubs originated with Grant Pisani from Gordon Rugby Football Club and resulted in the sponsorship of both local teams.
Mr Pisani commented,
“It was an easy decision to support these youths chasing their rugby dreams as I was a rugby player back in the day. Working with the local community has given us more than we can give to them, by enriching our knowledge and love for the people of Fiji.”
Scott Nodsle, Encore APAC Managing Director was also delighted with the continued relationship,
“A highlight of our sponsorship partnership is that all of our interns are also Somosomo Stags players, so it’s fantastic that they’re also benefiting from the internship program too. Building connections and opportunities for growth and careers with Encore is one of our future focuses for the village community.”
Mr Nodsle, went on to announce the continuation of the internship program,
“The success of the internship program and the benefits of the Stags sponsorship has made the decision easy to continue the internship program with the next round of recruits.”
The world’s largest networking community and education provider for the business events industry – Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) – has recently announced the Class of 2024 for their annual 20 In Their Twenties program.
Members of PCMA’s 20 in Their Twenties are proven leaders and innovators within the business events industry.
The 20 In Their Twenties program invites young meeting professionals to demonstrate their leadership in various areas such as creative thinking and problem solving, challenging the status quo and leading a team or project to achieve a common goal.
Encore nominated eight outstanding individuals from the team and are proud to reveal that Sarah Banks, Regional Director of Event Technology at four hotels in Melbourne, has been named to PCMA’s prestigious honour roll for the Class of 2024.
Sarah, along with 19 other emerging leaders from around the world will be introduced at Convening Leaders 2024 (CL24) January 7-10 in San Diego, California.
“I’m deeply humbled by this recognition. This would not be possible and I would not be where I am today without the mentoring and support and opportunities I’ve been given by Encore’s management and leadership team.” – said Sarah Banks.
“This recognition is a testament to her outstanding dedication, leadership, and innovative contributions to the event industry. Sarah’s achievement not only reflects her individual excellence but also resonates with the core values at Encore” said, Scott Nodsle, Managing Director, Encore APAC.
“At Encore, we are driven by the belief that every event is an opportunity to make a lasting impact. Sarah’s commitment to be a dynamic problem solver for customers and pushing the boundaries of what is possible aligns seamlessly with our rallying cry: “One Customer, One Event, One Venue at a Time.”
Congratulations on your achievement, Sarah!” – added Mr Nodsle.
Encore maintains Great Place To Work® (GPTW) accreditation in Australia and New Zealand, plus outstanding year-on-year improvement in key focus areas.
At Encore, we aim to create a healthy and positive work environment where team members think and feel good about their job and workplace. We are actively taking measures to ensure all team members feel valued, heard and empowered to make a direct contribution to shaping workplace initiatives and policies in all areas of the business.
The Great Place to Work (GPTW) certification recognises our ongoing commitment and efforts towards achieving that goal.
Encore takes pride in being recognised as a GPTW in 2022 and regaining certification again in 2023. This is no mean feat and is a testament to our long-standing focus on our employee development, effective systems and processes and creating a healthy, positive workplace.
Encore APAC, Managing Director Scott Nodsle was delighted with the expanded accreditation and impressive results overall.
“Thanks to our team members, Encore is proud to have been certified as a Great Place To Work in Australia again this year and expanding to New Zealand. It’s also very encouraging that in each category, our results have improved year-on-year.”
Encore is currently certified in 7 countries including Australia, Austria, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, UAE and the US.
HR Director, Jennifer Purcell announced the results from the 2023 GPTW Survey with the headline finding of 72% of employees saying Encore is a great place to work, up 66 points from last year, plus significant improvements across key areas.
The standout result in the 2023 survey was the feedback from the New Zealand team, reporting an impressive uplift of 17 points from last year, with a 83% rating given for the Great Place to Work Statement. The average for APAC is 81% – an increase of 13 points.
“It’s really encouraging to see the amazing progress we’ve made since last year, with a 6% overall increase in the Great Place to Work Statement.”
“Any result above 5% increase can be considered as quite significant and should be celebrated as a major win… In that context, the results from the NZ team is just absolutely phenomenal” says Jennifer Purcell.
Encore has announced that Scott Nodsle, Managing Director APAC, has been appointed as Executive Sponsor of the ‘WellBeing at Encore’ Business Resource Group (BRG). Nodsle has been with Encore for 23 years and has held various leadership roles during that time, which is a testament to his commitment to Encore and team members.
Nodsle commented on the appointment,
“When I was presented with the opportunity to sponsor the WellBeing BRG, I jumped at the chance. Having started my Encore career as a Technician, and then serving in other field-based leadership roles in the U.S., EMEA, and now APAC, I am well aware of the pressure our team members are under. It’s incredibly important to keep your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, and that of your teams, top of mind at all times. I’m looking forward to helping team members do exactly that through this BRG.”
WellBeing BRG Purpose
The WellBeing BRG exists to support the mental, physical and social wellbeing of Encore team members and the larger communities they impact. The group will accomplish this by working to overcome stigmas, providing resources, and raising awareness of these important topics.
Recent initiatives
The WellBeing BRG is new in APAC and has already seen significant impact and involvement. Recently the group delivered a ‘Wellbeing lunch and learn workshop’ which highlighted the power of connection and community and how feeling safe, respected and understood which can play a massive part in how we participate in our work.
Whilst the team in South Australia attended WellFest, a well-being breakfast designed to help guests take time out to hear experts identify and explain the way they manage their Mental Health and how to be “nicer to yourself and others”.
Encore has been focused on reducing our impact on the environment for may years and our endeavours have seen us awarded an EcoVadis accreditation.
In continuing these commitments, we are delighted to announce the launch of our new electronic vehicle in Auckland and are soon to be taking delivering of our first hybrid truck in Melbourne.
“We have been moving to more energy efficient vehicles for many years.”, commented Nathan Mckenzie, Operations Director APAC who is responsible for many of Encore APAC’s sustainable practices and projects.
“In line with the Government’s commitment to deliver a low emissions vehicle target Encore has begun is transitioning its current fleet of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric and hybrid technology.”
“Delivery of the new fleet is planned to continue, and as older vehicles reach the end of lease they will be replaced and we plan the new hybrid and electrical fleet will be fully implemented by 2026.”
Scott Nodsle, Managing Director of Encore APAC noted,
“The new fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles are an exciting and important development in Encore’s strategies to be more sustainable and is part of our focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance practices”.
Encore assessed several factors, including battery consumption, charging capability, vehicle handling, maneuverability and performance in a variety of traffic conditions, driver and passenger comfort, carrying capacity when selecting vehicles which make the least impact and also suit our teams’ needs and equipment moving requirements.
While the introduction of electric vehicles into the Encore fleet will initially cost more than that of equivalent internal combustion engine vehicles, savings in on running costs, including fuel and maintenance in addition to the many benefits to reducing our total emissions are expected.
Encore has become more committed than ever to our team. Everyone is on a continuum when it comes to health and well-being, and as a company we want to help our team no matter what stage they are at. Whether that be through tips and tricks, professional help or engaging them in social challenges.
Today (10 October) is World Mental Health Day and so we thought this would be the ideal day to share a recent Encore Wellbeing initiative.
Encore Wellbeing – an internal business resource and support group – held its first ever mindfulness workshop.
The lunch and learn session was aimed at supporting and empowering team members with practical, life-changing tools and techniques around improving mental health.
The topic was ‘Bringing Mindfulness into the Workplace’ and focused on how mental health affects all of us – in every sphere of life – why it’s so important to discuss mental health in the workplace. The workshop highlighted the power of connection and community and how feeling safe, respected and understood is part of our basic needs (in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs) which can play a massive part in how we participate in our work.
The Mindfulness Workshop was facilitated by Wellbeing Leader for APAC, Darren Perrera (Regional Director of Event Technology) and was presented by Noosa based, Taylah Noble-Wilson (Director of Event Technology).
Taylah Noble-Wilson is a qualified 500-hour Yoga instructor, personal trainer, Reiki Master, NLP Practitioner & Life Coach, Lomi Lomi Massage Practioner and Breathwork Facilitator.
Taylah graciously shared her wisdom and insight on mental health and how to implement breathwork and meditation techniques to mitigate effects of stress on your nervous system. Talyah demonstrated a simple but highly effective breathing exercise known as ‘box breathing’ (i.e. breathe in for count of 4, hold for count of 4, breath out for count of 4 and hold for count of 4).
Taylah also emphasised how vital it is for everyone to create their own mental health plan – which involves making deliberate daily decisions – non-negotiables if you will – around maintaining good diet and nutrition, keeping fit and active, practicing meditation, having a positive mindset and self-talk, and prioritising a healthy work-life balance.
“We’re absolutely thrilled at the level of interest and feedback we received about the workshop….Taylah did a fantastic job in reminding us all, the importance of discussing mental health in the workplace”
– says Darren Perera (Regional Director of Event Technology).
The successful mindfulness workshop was held a week following company-wide participation of R U Ok day.
Encore Wellbeing is one of several business resource groups within Encore aimed at promoting a healthy, safe and inclusive environment for all our employees.
Encore is proud to be a Great Place to Work® certified organisation in 7 countries around the world including Australia and New Zealand.
Leading event production company, Encore Event Technologies has announced their appointment to deliver the Amway China incentive to be held in Auckland and Queenstown, October to December 2023.
Encore triumphed in a competitive pitch involving a number of leading event production companies. The win was due to the teams’ creative pitch comprising innovative event design, inventive use of technology and production expertise.
The success will build on Encore’s portfolio of successful delivery of Amway international incentive events, including Amway China 2005, 2011 and 2019, Amway Taiwan 2016 and 2019, Amway Vietnam 2016 and 2019, Amway Hong Kong 2017 and 2023, Amway South Korea 2020 and Amway Russia 2018. Encore has also delivered hundreds of other international incentives, conferences and major events.
For Amway, Encore will provide end-to-end services from strategy and creative concepts to 3D design, theming, technical solutions and overall production of the event which will see 10,000 VIP delegates attending in waves from across China.
The win is another exciting development for the growing Encore team in New Zealand. Head quartered in Auckland, the team has grown significantly, particularly within their skilled production division. The growth has required a new head office with dedicated creative ideation spaces, production warehouse and technical training facilities.
Scott Nodsle, Managing Director, Encore APAC, was delighted with news of the appointment, “Encore is honoured to be the production partner for the Amway China 2023. As we continue to follow our customers journey around the world, we understand their needs and are proud to connect and inspire their attendees for yet another amazing event! Our team will bring together the ideal mix of creative flair, leading technical solutions and production expertise bespoke to this event. Our team in New Zealand is among the best in the business, delivering world-class, memorable experiences and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to achieve exactly that and more for Amway China 2023.”
Encore has been awarded another new partnership with the world-class Grand Hyatt Incheon hotel in South Korea. The hotel is the largest Hyatt hotel outside North America with 1,024 guestrooms, making it an ideal venue for large-scale meetings and events. It is in a prime location for local and international conferences, located only three minutes away from Incheon International Airport and near to the South-Korean capital Seoul and other major cities in Gyeonggi province.
Encore’s partnership with Grand Hyatt Incheon was awarded after a highly competitive selection process. During which time Encore’s in-house service model was identified as a point of difference from their competitors, in addition to their highly skilled team and detailed understanding of the venue and what can be achieved in the hotel’s event spaces. Director of Strategic Partnerships Katherine Pfahl commented;
“Encore has the local knowledge backed by global resources to deliver unique, transformative experiences that achieve real results. We know that these services are in demand in the current market. Clients don’t want a ‘cookie cutter’ approach to their event design and delivery. They want choice, flexibility and the ability to create an event which exactly meets their brief and needs, not a one-size-fits all approach. That’s the Encore difference. That’s what we deliver.”
Encore’s in-house service model was viewed by the hotel owners as vital in being able to facilitate outstanding events for their clients as they are not restricted by the availability or resources of external providers.
Client: Tourism Accommodation Australia (NSW)
Venue: The Fullerton Hotel, Sydney, Sydney
Date: 20 July 2023
Encore proudly designed and produced the glittering 2023 TAA (NSW) Awards for Excellence at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, hosting 700 guests for the celebration of the Tourism Accommodation Australia (NSW) Awards for Excellence.
The event was meticulously planned and executed, leaving attendees in awe of the glittering atmosphere. Encore’s expertise in creating memorable experiences shone through, making the awards night a resounding success.
The stunning stage set recreated an abstract city skyline using mobile, modular LED panels. The panels then transformed to an electric multimedia display to enhance the musical performance by a violin soloist, also dressed in a costume comprising neon lights. The screens further changed again through the night with glittering designs to complement presenters and announce winners.
Encore further supported the event by sponsoring two award categories:
The Conference and Events Talent of the Year award was won by Chloe Mitchell The Star Sydney and presented by Encore APAC Managing Director Scott Nodsle.
The Conference and Events Venue of the Year award was won by The Fullerton Sydney and presented by Encore General Manager NSW & ACT Nicole Russell.
Nicole Russell, Encore Event Technologies General Manager NSW & ACT commented,
The TAA NSW Awards for Excellence event was an incredible effort by everyone involved and truly wonderful occasion to be part of!
Congratulations to all our venue partners.
